Mirrors can play functional and decorative roles in any space, effectively elevating interiors by introducing new depth and elegance.
However, you can’t just add a mirror anywhere – purposeful placement matters.
You must know how to position a glass mirror properly to enhance the area with a bright and harmonious effect. Getting mirror placement wrong can result in the opposite effect – which you will soon discover in this blog!
To help you find the perfect place to put a mirror in your home, we’ve listed some of the major dos and don’ts of suitable mirror locations below.
The Best Places to Position Mirrors
Just as your choice of mirror style will impact the impression it provides in your space, so will the positioning of the mirror.
Follow these tips to determine the most strategic placement that will help your glass mirror improve your interior design.
Amplifying the right amount of light
Lighting is one of the most significant factors when placing a mirror.
The reflective surface will help distribute light around the space, making it feel brighter and warmer. Therefore, you should place a mirror where it can most effectively reflect light.
However, it would help if you were careful not to position it directly opposite a light source, whether natural or artificial, as this can result in a harsh glare instead of comforting brightness.
Reflecting an appealing view
According to the ancient Chinese art of feng shui, mirrors amplify the energy of what they reflect, meaning you should only place them where they will reflect a pleasant view.
Placing a mirror opposite clutter, kitchen stoves, toilets, or anywhere dirty or chaotic will make the whole space feel that way, so only place mirrors where they reflect lovely features.
For example, you can magnify the beauty of your space by reflecting a view of nature outside the window, appealing artwork on the wall, a unique architectural element, or statement furniture.
Serving as a decorative focal point
Mirrors can often serve as modern art, drawing attention as the room’s focal point.
The mirror doesn’t have to be overly large to catch the eye – whether it’s a visually pleasing shape or features a stylish frame, it can become a decorative statement piece in its own right.
With various options available, from asymmetrical shapes to tinted glass, you can design a custom glass mirror that stands out while perfectly complementing your décor scheme.
In small spaces without windows
Another benefit of increased light from reflective mirrors is that it tricks the eye into perceiving the area as much more significant than it is – helping make your home feel more spacious.
This is why it’s always a good idea to use mirrors in small rooms or narrow hallways to make them feel more open and expansive, especially if there are no windows to let in natural light.
While it’s helpful to create this illusion in compact spaces, it’s important not to place mirrors directly opposite doorways, as this can create a sense of confusion and deflection instead.
Where it’s safe to lean them against a wall
Mirrors don’t always have to be mounted on the wall – in some cases, you can lean a taller full-length mirror against the wall, creating a casual yet sophisticated effect.
This allows you to display your mirror and use it functionally without hanging it up, making it easier to adjust the positioning if you change your mind later.
A leaning mirror offers a laidback way to add depth to a room, especially if it’s a frameless mirror that increases the sense of openness or an arched mirror that imitates a window.
In social areas like dining and living rooms
Places, where people gather in your home are the perfect spots for large wall mirrors, whether frameless for a simple yet dramatic effect or showing off an ornate frame to impress guests.
In feng shui, the dining room is the ‘wealth vault’ of the home, so you’ll want to reflect the bounty of your family and friends as much as possible to increase the joy and companionship.
The same can apply to living rooms, as many modern homes don’t have a separate dining room and rely on the lounge area for socialising – but either way, a grand mirror can dress it up.
The Worst Places to Put a Mirror
Now you know better what to do with mirrors; you should also know how to prevent poor placement from detracting from your interior design.
Avoid installing mirrors in these places if you don’t want to disrupt the ambience of your home or create safety hazards.
Mounted too high on the wall
If you’re mounting a mirror on the wall, the first rule is to avoid hanging it too high.
Depending on the size and location of the mirror, it should be neither too high nor too low—the house’s residents should be able to see at least their heads and shoulders when passing it.
When sitting down, people won’t want to look at themselves the whole time, especially while eating, so keep this in mind. Similarly, hanging mirrors above statement features like fireplaces can be distracting instead of drawing the eye to the right places in the room.
Opposite a window facing east or west
It may be tempting to place a mirror directly across from a window to capture the view outside – be it greenery or a cityscape – but this isn’t always the best idea.
If the window faces east or west, there will be an excessive glare from light shining directly on the mirror at either sunrise or sunset at some point during the day.
You may be able to avoid this if the window faces north or south, but in any case, it’s best to place a mirror where it won’t cause eye strain from struggling to see TV, PC, or phone screens.
Above sofas, chairs, or beds
Hanging a large mirror or one with a heavy frame directly above where somebody has to sit can cause a sense of uneasiness and discomfort, even if the item is adequately secured to the wall.
According to feng shui, the weight of objects at or above head level can negatively impact feelings of safety and security, so mirrors should not be placed directly above chairs or sofas.
Similarly, placing mirrors where they reflect a bed or desk is seen as disruptive. This can disturb your sleep and work productivity by preventing a calm and restful environment.
Next to or opposite another mirror
Some interior decorators like the look of grouping smaller mirrors to create a more visually interesting statement than a single large mirror, but feng shui also advises against this.
Too many mirrors in the same space can quickly start to feel overcrowded, inviting chaos into your space and creating a cluttered and confusing environment instead of a balanced one.
The same applies to placing mirrors directly opposite each other, as the back-and-forth reflections can lead to an overwhelming and unnatural effect that makes the space unsettling.
In space, it’s too small or too big for
Mirrors should always be proportionate to their space, in size and shape.
Large mirrors can overwhelm small rooms, while little mirrors will look lost in a big room, leaving the wrong impression. The mirror should fill enough of the space without dominating it.
Ideally, it would be best to choose a mirror that fits the space where you want to place it after careful measuring, not find somewhere to place a mirror you purchased without a thought.
Anywhere, it could easily break.
Although this point is less about location and more about mounting methods, it’s essential to only position a mirror where it’s safe and always secure it as much as possible.
For example, mirrors should be fixed to walls using screws or suitable adhesives, and in the case of freestanding mirrors, they should be placed where nobody can trip over or into them.
Ensuring your mirror is safe and secure is as important as determining the best height or position, especially in homes with pets or young children who could cause accidents.
If you consider these tips, place your mirror thoughtfully, and secure it properly, you can enjoy your uplifting interior transformation for many years!
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